Prison Program

To help us raise the next generation of assistance dogs, Can Do Canines operates puppy raising and training programs in five local prisons.

Two carefully-selected inmates are assigned to each dog. Inmates raise the dog, teach obedience, and in some cases, even teach assistance dog skills, such as pulling open a door or turning on a light switch. At any given time, Can Do Canines can have 40 to 50 dogs placed in the prison program.

This unique program and partnership has proven to be beneficial for all involved. The dogs are well-cared for and receive around-the-clock attention and training. The inmates learn new skills and develop traits such as confidence, dedication, and patience. Prison officials say that the prisons have become a more warm-hearted place and report fewer incidents of violence. And at the end of it all, a client with a disability receives a specially-trained dog to help them achieve greater freedom, independence and peace of mind.